 |
|
|
 |
New Member
|
|
Jan 9, 2008, 10:06 PM
|
|
88' civic wagonvan dpfi 1.5L possible cracked head
Hey everybody, I am new to this site. I just want to take a quick moment to introduce myself, am 26 yr.old, diesel tech, specializing in lt, med, and HD steer, align, and suspension.
After checking for a helpful and user-friendly site I think I have found it. Since there seems to be plenty of diy'ers on this site all willing to help another fellow diy'er I think its time for me to ask for your help. I recently found myself buying a 1988 honda civic wagonvan 2wd. With the 1.5L DPFI.
Well my problem started as soon as I got the engine running, the engine has 168,995mi.
It drives well has a few details but nonetheless it saves gas:) my real issue is that I think I have a cracked head. I don't have any external coolant leaks, hoses are fine, and new radiator. The problems is when I added coolant to the system and started it for the 1st. Time, I had heavy white smoke. I thought it could have just been condensation since the car had been sitting for a while, not sure how long but most likely 1 yr. The oil has no water or coolant, so my question is this, I bought the car pretty cheap, and I was wondering now that I got it running and have this issue, would it be better for me to take the head off and take it to a shop to have them check it out, or could I take a chance with pulling one off at a junkyard and hoping that it works, or... maybe taking the one from the junkyard to the shop as well.
SORRY FOR THE LONG LIST BUT I Don't WANT TO MISS ANYTHING, IF I DID PLEASE TELL ME. I AM REALLY HOPING SOMEONE CAN HELP ME WITH THIS I MIGHT NOT HAVE MUCH TIME TO DO REPAIRS DUE TO SMOGCHECK AND THE FACT THAT THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPRTATION AT THE TIME. THANKS FOR UR HELP.
|
|
 |
New Member
|
|
Jan 15, 2008, 02:37 PM
|
|
 Originally Posted by chdenny1
hey everybody, I am new to this site. I just want to take a quick moment to introduce myself, am 26 yr.old, diesel tech, specializing in lt, med, and HD steer, align, and suspension.
after checking for a helpful and user-friendly site I think I have found it. Since there seems to be plenty of diy'ers on this site all willing to help another fellow diy'er I think its time for me to ask for your help. I recently found myself buying a 1988 honda civic wagonvan 2wd. with the 1.5L DPFI.
Well my problem started as soon as I got the engine running, the engine has 168,995mi.
It drives well has a few details but nonetheless it saves gas:) my real issue is that I think I have a cracked head. I don't have any external coolant leaks, hoses are fine, and new radiator. the problems is when I added coolant to the system and started it for the 1st. time, I had heavy white smoke. I thought it could have just been condensation since the car had been sitting for a while, not sure how long but most likely 1 yr. The oil has no water or coolant, so my question is this, I bought the car pretty cheap, and I was wondering now that I got it running and have this issue, would it be better for me to take the head off and take it to a shop to have them check it out, or could I take a chance with pulling one off at a junkyard and hoping that it works, or... maybe taking the one from the junkyard to the shop as well.
SORRY FOR THE LONG LIST BUT I DONT WANT TO MISS ANYTHING, IF I DID PLEASE TELL ME. I AM REALLY HOPING SOMEONE CAN HELP ME WITH THIS I MIGHT NOT HAVE MUCH TIME TO DO REPAIRS DUE TO SMOGCHECK AND THE FACT THAT THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPRTATION AT THE TIME. THANKS FOR UR HELP.
You might consider first checking compression. It may be just a bad head gasket. If you run the car for any length of time, does it begin to over-heat? Do you find it depletes coolant if you run it for several days? Don't pull the head yet until you've done more research. If it does over-heat and/or if it looses coolant, pull the head to 1) check the head gasket then 2) check the integrity of the head itself. Good luck.
|
|
 |
Uber Member
|
|
Jan 15, 2008, 02:53 PM
|
|
I recommend that you take it to Honda, or a shop that specializes in Hondas, for repair. Whether it's a cracked head or a blown head gasket will involve removing and replacing the timing belt--a job that's best left for Honda-trained technicians to do. Consider replacing the timing belt and water pump, at this time. I would hold off buying a replacement head, until you get a report on the situation.
|
|
 |
Cars & Trucks Expert
|
|
Jan 15, 2008, 04:00 PM
|
|
Definitely more diagnosis is needed. Has the engine been block tested?
If the head does need to come off, it is better to have experience with Honda's. The timing belt needs to come off and this engine has critical timing need during reassembly. Txgreasemonkey is correct too about the timing belt and the water pump. Other items can include but are not limited to things like thermostat, accessory drive belts, various seals, clamps and fluids, etc.
If the vehicle is worthy of repairing, spend the money to do it right.
|
|
Question Tools |
Search this Question |
|
|
Add your answer here.
Check out some similar questions!
Cracked head
[ 1 Answers ]
would white smoke resulting from cracked head be a random thing or a constant occurrence?
?Head Gasket or not? Honda civic DX
[ 5 Answers ]
I have a 1991 Honda Civic DX. It has run well until last week when it just wouldn't start for me. I have checked a few things: I have spark on all four plugs, the fuel pump seems to be working as it should, the starter is turning the motor over... although it doesn't sound right.
I checked...
91 civic, 4, lx, said. 1.5 dpfi
[ 10 Answers ]
My car runs fine, but every so often, it cuts out gives an engine light and loses maybe a little or maybe almost all power, and cycling the key once makes it run fine again. Ecm flashed hello but no code, so there is no code or it didn't store it it sounds like. Any ideas?
ECU input to Igniter (ICM) on 1993 Honda Civic DPFI
[ 0 Answers ]
How do you measure the input from the ECU to the ignitor (ICM) (YEL/GRN wire)??
This input tells the ignitor when to ground the -ve side of the primary coil.
My multimeter registers a non zero small voltage when cranking, but since the response is very low on my meter, I don't think I'm...
Honda civic dpfi problem code 16
[ 1 Answers ]
My civic is not starting and I checked the ingition system which is OK.
I ECU is flashing a code 16. Im not sure how to go about checking the fuel system, not sure what to look for? Or how to tell whether something is working right.
Please help a bratha out!
Thanks
nocalhomie :eek:
View more questions
Search
|